"I LOVE YOU MOM" NECKLACE PENDANT 14K GOLD LAID OVER BM

Why Solid 10K or 14K Gold Jewelry?

Why Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Why 14K Yellow or White Gold over .925 Sterling Silver?

Just a Few of Jossie’s Facts About Precious Metals…

Many people believe they are allergic to silver or gold, but in fact are actually allergic to an alloy used in small percentages to make up the fine metals ~ nickel.  Nickel can occur as trace elements in silver and gold jewelry, but usually not nearly enough to cause an allergic reaction.  Sterling Silver is usually made of silver and copper (copper making it a stronger metal than gold), and therefore actually making it one of the better choices for people with allergies to wear! 

Terminology used in regards to precious metals can be confusing. So the following is a list of terms you may run into.  After examining each metal structure, or its make-up, you can then best decide which metal is the right one for you:

Yellow Gold – Generally speaking, 10K - 14K or higher solid gold will not cause allergic reactions and is virtually nickel free. For extremely sensitive allergy sufferers, this may be the only option.

White Gold – Is also a good choice, again 10K - 14K or higher solid gold.  Although, the alloys used in white gold and the chemicals used to make it white may (not always) contain nickel and can therefore cause allergic reactions more often than yellow gold.

Sterling Silver (92.5% pure silver, or .925) – Is mixed with copper to achieve a hardness and stability level that will hold its shape and resistance to wear and tear. Sterling silver is a great metal choice for people who are allergic to nickel!

14K Gold Filled / .925 Sterling Silver – Since the price of gold is up, 14K gold plated silver is an affordable and highly wearable metal for individuals with allergies!  14K/925 is plated with several layers of 14K gold, and the combination of both 14K + .925 makes this an excellent metal choice for people who are allergic to nickel!

Gold Filled Metal – Gold filled metal is created by covering a base metal (such as copper, not sterling silver) with several layers solid gold using heat and pressure. Gold filled findings usually have many layers of gold, creating a virtually hypoallergenic, and long lasting material.  Again, an excellent metal choice for people who are allergic to nickel!

Copper –  Pure copper is not mixed with nickel or nickel alloys making it a hypoallergenic material.  Jossie’s Jewels might not sell this type of metal, only because we are in search of esthetically pleasing metals that look best with specific gemstones…subject to opinion of course!  :0)

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At Jossie’s Jewels we really try to avoid the following “fills”, unless they are from a quality “name brand” designer with great artistic jewelry interpretations.  It is advised that people with allergic reactions to metals (nickel) should avoid the following fills:

Gold Plated – This procedure is nearly the same as gold filled, but only a thin layer of gold is applied over the “base metal”.  Allergic reactions may occur more often with this type of metal versus gold filled.

Silver Plated – A “base metal” is covered with one thin layer of silver. Allergic reactions may occur more often with this type of metal.  *Note, Jossie’s Jewels will never sell this type of plating.  There is no need for it!

Stainless/Surgical steel – Steel alloys do contain a certain amount of nickel, however some people with nickel allergies can wear jewelry made from stainless/surgical steel without any problems.

CONCLUSION:

At Jossie’s Jewels you will find that most all our jewelry is made using either solid Yellow Gold, solid White Gold, .925 Sterling Silver, 14K/925, or 14K/BM (Base Metal).  Why do we, at Jossie’s Jewels care so much about the quality of metal you are buying and therefore wearing?  Simply because both Joss (aka Jossie) and I (Jossie’s mama) are allergic to nickel, and cheaper base metals.  If we can’t wear the jewelry, we will not sell it to you!

Also, looking FABULOUS should never cost a bundle!

Please be sure to read all item descriptions for each piece you are interested in!  Please do ask us questions if you are unsure ~ and thank you much!  ;o)